A mutual consent registry is a means of connecting next-of-kin by birth (who wish to be contacted) through matching information. These registries allow individuals directly involved with an adoption to indicate their willingness or unwillingness to have their identifying information disclosed, to submit information on a sought individual and be notified when potential matches join the registry, and to exchange identifying information upon mutual consent. Most registries require consent of at least one birth parent and an adopted person over the age of 18 or 21, or of adoptive parents if the adopted person is a minor, in order to release identifying information.
Many state governments maintain mutual consent registries to facilitate access to information from adoption records. For New York State's list of reunion registries, click here.
The International Soundex Reunion Registry is the largest non-profit mutual consent registry.
Adoption.com and Adopting.org host a free adoption reunion database, worldwide reunion registries, and state-specific search and reunion online forums.